My oldest is about to start kindergarten and I feel much the same as you! I did not send him to PreK, but worked with him at home. He'll be starting school reading, so I think it was the right choice. The only Preschool option we had was basically an expensive play group. Not worth the money, and he's never had any social problems so I'm not worried about that, either.

I am happy with the school he's going to go to this year and next - because we are overseas, it's basically a public school that feels more like a tiny private school. However, after we go back to the States, I don't know what we'll do. I don't like the idea of straight up public school because of the huge class sizes. If we had all the money in the world, he would totally be heading to a Montessori school because that's how he seems to learn and he'd have the benefit of small class sizes. But, yeah, the money thing...

That is one thing I am sure of. I KNOW that Montessori is the wrong choice for my oldest.

Before having kids, I was SURE that I was going to go Montessori all the way. But, my oldest has Asperger's and desperately needs a very strict structure to his day. Letting him do what he "needs" to do would result in total melt downs.

The more I watch my second child, though, the more I think Montessori is a good fit for him.

It's so stressful trying to decide :(

I think it depends on the child. And, you definitely know your kids!

My oldest is in public school only because she was born out of wedlock and I never married her father, he has different ideas of school than I do. She would benefit from homeschooling, she is nervous with a lot of people and does very well learning with me.

My next child is very competitive and high energy. He does very very well in a classroom setting, and thrives in primary. I truly believe that public school is a great fit for him.

As for the 2 youngest, my next son who will be 3 on the 30th of Aug, and my daughter who just turned 1 in June, I have not quite pin-pointed the best ways they learn. My 2 year old does great with everything, very easy going. My 1 year old is very hands on.

We'll see how it all goes.

I think the hardest part is potentially sending them to different schools. I want to pick one that will work for all of them.

A friend of mine picks her kids teachers at their public school based on their teaching techniques. I had no idea you could do that! So, you could try to find out if you can do that at your school.

Now that you mention this, I do remember my mom doing this when we were growing up. Thanks for the reminder!

And you are totally right- each kid is different. I think I am looking for advice from moms who have been there and done that. I like that you notice that your kids are different too, and that you are doing it case by case.

I taught elementary school for six years and am now getting a PhD in education. Technically I'm more than qualified to home school. But I won't. End of discussion.

Ideas on schooling was actually a deal breaker when I was dating and it came up VERY early in my dating relationship with my husband.

My children will be attending public school.

I will be a presence in the school as a parent volunteer.

Our home and family activities will be learning environments.

Miss Giggles, can I ask why you feel so strongly this way? Someone with passion usually has a darn good reason...

You can ask.

My decision is based on my experience as a public school student, my experience as a public school teacher, my studies and research on child development, education, and psychology, my understanding of the educational system, and my personal values and beliefs.

I'm a homeschooler, we are starting our 11th year.  I am not a die-hard homeschooler anymore...starting out, I was pretty enthusiastic and all out.  Now, I cheer others on for doing what is right for their family.

I just want to point out that it doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing deal, many parents approach schooling choices one year at a time.  If this year, you feel, in your mommy-heart, that your little one needs more nurturing at home- then you can go with that, do some educational/gentle learning together and then make a different decision next year.

I also love Montessori education, if I wasn't homeschooling, I would have put my children in a good Montessori school- by good, I mean one that actually follows a Montessori day, not just one with the name...the kids actually can work in the garden, the 3 period learning lesson, no t.v.  in the classroom. 

good luck with your decision, take a big breath and concentrate on what your child needs right now.

My children are in public school and my husband is a public school teacher. So that is what I do for my kids but I love learning about why others feel different a different way. there is a really good discussion going on at www.inevergrewup.net that I have found very interesting and helpful the past couple of days. She has people from all different points of view posting about what they do and why. Ha I just noticed Jenny from the previous comment is featured today! funny.

Thanks for that link, I am heading over there now!